Honeymoon in Florida!

gcoker

We are planning a road trip in Florida for our honeymoon.  We will be traveling the end of September/early October.  We already have reservations to stay at Ft. Myers Beach first, then to Key West.  We are struggling where to stay on our way back up. 

We had originally thought about St. Petersburg, but now we are second guessing if we should go to the Atlantic side instead.  Miami seems so expensive and we aren't interested in Orlando.  Any suggestions or advice?

Thanks!

M1ssJ

Miami isnt necessarily expensive try Ft Lauderdale beach. 25 minutes away from South Beach and still a lot of great stuff

laurenberdan

If you've never been to Florida, then I would say the Atlantic coast, since you are already staying at Fort Meyers (on the Gulf side). That way you can get a feel for the different beaches.

However, being born and raised in Florida (in the Tampa/St. Pete area), I am persnoally prefer the Gulf beaches. The sand is much nicer on the gulf, real smooth and powdery. Typically the water is much calmer in the gulf, and it's also a lot warmer. Even when I am over on the Atlantic side during the middle of the summer, I do not go in the water much, just because of the temp and the waves. Also, you have the sunet on the gulf, and nothing beats the sunset at the beach. If you are staying at an Atlantic beach, you will have sunrise.

With that being said, I don't think you will go wrong with either. For thr Gulf- look at St. Pete/Clearwater area. There are tons of beaches in that stretch of land and tons to do, but I do think that Clearwater Beach is my favorite (if you stay there, you have to go eat at Frenchy's!).

For the Atlantic- New Smyrna Beach is neat, and a little quiter. I think that Daytona beach is a bit dated. Cocoa Beach and Vero are also good to look into. Also, maybe consider St. Augustine. It would be a little different feel from all the typical beaches, but it's a really neat little city.

You'll have tons of fun in Key West!

gcoker

Do either of you have suggestions for nice (decently priced) hotels in these areas?

gcoker

Oh, and any suggestions for things to do in both places?

thinkingpink2010

Highly recommend to check out Amelia Island. It's just above Jacksonville and it's beautiful. 

While your in Fort Myers, take a day drive out to Sanibel/Captiva Islands. Worth the trip, and the sunset

Have fun!

rrewud

I am biased because I live in Tampa, but West Coast Florida ROCKS!!!!  I have done your exact road trip many times.  From Key West, I would stay at least one night in Miami.  You don't need to do South Beach (super-expensive).  You should do Coconut Grove and then check out Key Biscayne (gorgeous views and beach parks).  Then I would hop over to Naples and do a beach day or two there.  I would also hit Siesta Key in Sarasota and end up in Clearwater Beach (my personal favorite beach town).  A GREAT resort hotel in Clearwater Beach is the Marriott on Sand Key.  It's across the street from an uncrowded beach and they will shuttle you anywhere in town for free via gold cart  Enjoy!!!

rrewud

I am biased because I live in Tampa, but West Coast Florida ROCKS!!!!  I have done your exact road trip many times.  From Key West, I would stay at least one night in Miami.  You don't need to do South Beach (super-expensive).  You should do Coconut Grove and then check out Key Biscayne (gorgeous views and beach parks).  Then I would hop over to Naples and do a beach day or two there.  I would also hit Siesta Key in Sarasota and end up in Clearwater Beach (my personal favorite beach town).  A GREAT resort hotel in Clearwater Beach is the Marriott on Sand Key.  It's across the street from an uncrowded beach and they will shuttle you anywhere in town for free via gold cart  Enjoy!!!